Wiper control mechanism

ABSTRACT

A method to reduce refreezing of meltable snow includes configuring a wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow from an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The method also includes configuring a sensor coupled to the wiper arm to gather and transmit a parameter on the vehicle and environment. The method also includes configuring a processor to receive the parameter, determine refreezability of the meltable snow based on the parameter, and define an action to be performed by the wiper arm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a wiping system for a windowpositioned on a vehicle. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a wiping system to reduce refreezing of meltable snow on avehicle's window.

BACKGROUND

Formation of ice on windows positioned on a vehicle obscures visibilityas well as decreases effectiveness of wipers installed proximate to thewindows positioned on the vehicle. A heat source or a defrosting deviceis generally used in such situations to remove snow and ice. Devices ofthis type increase the temperature of the window thereby preventingformation of ice and melting any ice already formed. However, the icemay refreeze as an ambient-facing surface of the window cools, forexample; after all defrosting devices and heat sources are deactivated.

In a known wiping system, a control system for operating an electricallyactuated device in response to presence of moisture on a window isprovided. A moisture sensor having a plurality of spaced apart, exposedconductive strips detects the presence of moisture on an ambient-facingsurface of the window. The control system connected to the moisturesensor can activate the window wiper in response to detection ofmoisture. However, in such systems there is a delay in detection and theice may have refrozen, result in freezing of the window wiper.

In another wiping system, two additional sensors are provided thatenable melting of the ice immediately after the vehicle is shut-down. Anignition sensor detects start and shut-down of the vehicle and a windowtemperature sensor senses temperature of the window. A controllercoupled to each of the sensors activates the window wiper assemblydepending upon the signals received from the sensors. However, thewiping system cannot predict refreezability of meltable snow and enablethe window wiper assembly well in advance before the meltable snowstarts to melt leading to the same problem of delay in detection andcausing the freezing of the window wiper.

In light of the above discussion, there is a need for a wiping systemthat overcomes one or more drawbacks associated with the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is a possible benefit of the disclosure is to provide a method toreduce refreezing of meltable snow deposited on an ambient-facingsurface of a window positioned on a vehicle.

Another possible benefit of the disclosure is to provide a method toprevent melting of refreezable-meltable snow deposited on anambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle.

Yet another possible benefit of the disclosure is to provide a method toprevent deposition of refreezable-meltable snow on an ambient-facingsurface of a window positioned on a vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to reducerefreezing of meltable snow includes at least one wiper arm configuredto wipe the meltable snow off the ambient-facing surface of the windowand at least one sensor coupled to the at least one wiper arm. The atleast one sensor is configured to gather and transmit at least oneparameter. The method further includes at least one processor configuredto receive the at least one parameter, determine refreezability of themeltable snow based on the at least one parameter, and define an actionto be performed by the at least one wiper arm.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method toprevent melting of refreezable-meltable snow is provided. The methodincludes at least one sensor configured to gather at least oneparameter, predict the melting of the refreezable-meltable snow, andactuate a blower to sufficiently cool the window, the sufficientlycooling preventing the melting of the refreezable-meltable snow.

According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a method toprevent deposition of refreezable-meltable snow is provided. The methodcomprises at least one sensor configured to gather at least oneparameter, predict the deposition of the refreezable-meltable snow, andactuate a heating element to sufficiently heat the window, thesufficiently heating preventing the deposition of therefreezable-meltable snow.

These and other exemplary embodiments, features and advantages of thepresent disclosure will be described or become apparent from thefollowing detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which is to beread in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel,are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The disclosuremay best be understood by reference to the following description, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings and theassociated description are provided to illustrate some embodiments ofthe disclosure, and not to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an arrangement of a wiping system toreduce refreezability of meltable snow deposited on a vehicle's window,in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 represents various parameters related to a vehicle andenvironment that are used to determine the refreezability of themeltable snow deposited on the vehicle's window, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 represents various sensors for obtaining various parametersrelated a vehicle and environment, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of actuation of a wipingmechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elementsin the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of theelements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements,in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

There may be additional structures described in the foregoingapplication that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. Inthe event such a structure is described, but not depicted in a drawing,the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission ofsuch design from the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it should beobserved that the present disclosure utilizes a combination ofarrangement and assembly components related to a wiping system for awindow positioned on a vehicle. Accordingly the arrangement and theassembly components have been represented where appropriate byconventional symbols in the drawings, showing only specific details thatare pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not toobscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent tothose with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of thedescription herein.

While the specification concludes with the claims defining the featuresof the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawings, in which likereference numerals are carried forward.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases usedherein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide anunderstandable description of the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a secondor more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e. open transition). The term “coupled” or“operatively coupled” as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wiping system 100 having an arrangementto reduce refreezing of meltable snow deposited on an ambient-facingsurface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The wiping system 100includes at least one wiper arm 102, a wiper motor 104, at least onesensor 106 and at least one processor 110. Examples of the window mayinclude, but are not limited to, a windshield, a side window, a sun roofor a convertible top of a motor vehicle.

The at least one wiper arm 102 is operatively coupled to the wiper motor104 which in turn is coupled to the at least one sensor 106. Examplesand further details of the at least one sensor 106 may be found inconjunction with FIG. 3.

The at least one sensor 106 is configured to gather and transmit atleast one parameter 108. Examples and further details of the at leastone parameter 108 may be found in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The at least one processor 110 is configured to receiving the at leastone parameter 108 to determine refreezability of the meltable snow basedon the at least one parameter 108. Based on this determination, the atleast one processor 110 can determine an action to be taken by the atleast one wiper arm 102.

Moving on the at least one parameter 108 sensed and transmitted by theat least one sensor 106 are used by the at least one processor 110 todetermine the action as mentioned above. This is enabled using a memory112 to which the processor 110 is operatively coupled to. The memory 112may store a set of predetermined rules based upon each of the at leastone parameter 108 and their combinations thereof. These predeterminedrules help the processor 110 determine whether or not to deliver a wiperactuation command to the wiper motor. Examples of the memory 112include, but are not limited to, magnetic or optical memory, flashmemory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or any otherstorage medium that supports storage of data for an arbitrary period oftime.

In an example, when the at least one sensor 106 is an ambienttemperature sensor, the processor 110 may use a rule in which an ambienttemperature is compared to a predetermined temperature value stored inthe memory 112. Accordingly, if the ambient temperature is found to bemore than the predetermined temperature value, the wiper motor 104 willbe enabled. In an embodiment, the ambient temperature threshold may alsobe defined and inputted by a user of the vehicle.

For example, in an embodiment, the memory 112 may also store a wipingfrequency in which the at least one wiper arm 102 may be actuated. Atimer may be provided as a part of the wiping system 100 for thispurpose.

In another embodiment, the user can input also various data overridingthe parameters being gathered by the at least one sensor 106. The inputmay comprise an input for activating or deactivating the wiping system100, selecting preferred time and/or temperature thresholds and an inputfor manual selection of wiper speed. The memory 112 simultaneouslystores changes made by the user. For the purpose of activating ordeactivating the wiping system 100, an actuator 114 actuable by the useris provided. Additionally, the user may request termination of any oneof two successive actuations.

Moving on, FIG. 2 represents various parameters 200 related to a vehicleand environment that may be gathered and transmitted by the at least onesensor 106 to the at least one processor 110, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. The parameters 200 can include,but are not limited to, actual window temperature 202, predicted windowtemperature 204, recent driving history 206, climate control settings ofthe vehicle 208, window moisture sensor feedback 210, vehicle externaltemperature 212, vehicle internal temperature 214, vehicle type 216,vehicle internal color 218, vehicle external color 220, solar radiationintensity at the vehicle 222, vehicle orientation 224, snowprecipitation type 226, snow precipitation intensity 228, wind speed230, ambient temperature 232 and parking location history 234. The atleast one parameter 108 can be selected from any of the parameters 200and may be gathered using corresponding different sensors.

FIG. 3 represents different sensors 300 that may be used for obtainingthe at least one parameter 108. The different sensors 300 may include,but are not limited to, a moisture sensor 302, a window temperaturesensor 304, an ignition sensor 306, an ambient temperature sensor 308, avehicle camera 310 and a user input interface 312. In an embodiment, theat least one sensor 106 may be selected from the different sensors 300.

In an embodiment, when for example, the moisture sensor 302, the windowtemperature sensor 304, the ignition sensor 306, ambient temperaturesensor 308 are selected as the at least one sensor 106. The moisturesensor 302 will detect presence of moisture on the ambient-facingsurface of a window, and the window temperature sensor 304 will monitorthe temperature of the window. Ignition sensor 306 will detect thestarting and stopping of a vehicle's engine. The ambient temperaturesensor 308 will monitor air temperature external to the vehicle. The atleast one processor 110 utilizes data provided by the sensors 302, 304,306 and 308 to determine whether or not a wipe command should betransmitted to the wiper motor 104 to enable the at least one wiper arm102 wipe the meltable snow off the window. In an embodiment, dataobtained from the user input may also be used.

In another embodiment, when the at least one sensor 106 is the vehiclecamera 310, the determination by the at least one processor 108 may alsobe based on input from the vehicle camera 310, the inputs can include,but are not limited to, photographs of the ambient and photographs ofthe window etc.

Moving on, FIG. 4 represents a flow chart illustrating a method 400 of awiping mechanism that reduces refreezability of meltable snow, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purposeof this description, the method 400 is explained in conjunction with thewiping system 100 and its various components. However, it will bereadily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art that the method400 can also be applied, without deviating from the scope of thedisclosure, for any other wiping system. Moreover, the disclosure is notlimited to the order in which the steps are listed in the method 400. Inaddition, the method 400 can contain a greater or fewer numbers of stepsthan those shown in FIG. 4.

The method 400 is initiated at step 402. Thereafter at step 404, asensor, for example, the at least one sensor 106 gathers at least oneparameter, for example the at least one parameter 108, related tovehicle and environment.

Moving on, step 406 involves a determination of whether the meltablesnow is refreezable or not takes place based on the at least oneparameter 108. This determination is carried out by a processor, forexample the processor 110. If it is determined that the meltable snowwill not refreeze, the method 400 returns to the step 404, else if it isdetermined that the meltable snow can refreeze the method 400 moves onto step 408. At the step 408, a wiper motor is activated for actuatingwiper arms, for example the at least one wiper arm 102. Thereafter atstep 410, a wiping frequency is selected based on the at least oneparameter 108.

Thereafter, at step 412, the at least one wiper arm 102 wipes themeltable snow off the window and the method 400 is terminated at step414.

Moving on, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at leastone wiper arm 102 is actuated at a predetermined wiping frequency. Theat least one processor 110 determines the predetermined wiping frequencybased on the at least one parameter 108. The wiping frequency may rangefrom one wiper cycle per minute for thirty minutes to three wiper cyclesper minute for thirty minutes. As an example, the wiping frequency couldbe one wiper cycle per five minutes for one hour to three wiper cycleper five minutes for one hour. The arrangement further includes a timerconfigured to determine a time period between two successive actuationsof the at least one wiper arm 102. The timer determines the time periodbetween the two successive actuations of the at least one wiper arm 102preferably within a selected time-out period of the timer.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, anarrangement to prevent melting of refreezable-meltable snow deposited onthe ambient-facing surface of the window is provided. The arrangementincludes the at least one sensor 106 and a blower. The at least onesensor is configured to gathering the at least one parameter 108 andpredicting the melting of the refreezable-meltable snow. Based on theprediction by the at least one sensor 106, the blower is actuated tosufficiently cool the window, so as to prevent the melting of therefreezable-meltable snow.

Additionally, the arrangement may also include the actuator 114 actuableby the user to request termination of the blower. A timer may be coupledto the actuator to enable the user to configure the timer fortermination of the blower.

According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, an arrangement toprevent deposition of refreezable-meltable snow on the ambient-facingsurface of the window is provided. The arrangement includes the at leastone sensor 106 and a heating element. The at least one sensor 106 isconfigured to gathering the at least one parameter 108 and predictingthe deposition of the refreezable-meltable snow. Based on the predictionby the at least one sensor 106, the heating element is actuated tosufficiently heat the window, so as to prevent the deposition of therefreezable-meltable snow. The predicting by the at least one sensor 106can be based on an input from the vehicle camera 310. Additionally, thearrangement may comprise the actuator 114 actuable by the user torequest termination of the heating element. A timer may be coupled tothe actuator 114 to enable the user to configure the timer fortermination of the heating element.

Also, it should be appreciated that the disclosure utilizes acombination of method steps and system components related tocomputer-implemented method for controlling and reducing refreezabilityof meltable snow. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that embodimentsof the disclosure described herein includes one or more conventionalprocessors and unique stored instructions that control the one or moreprocessors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processorcircuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the method ofcontrolling and reducing refreezability of meltable snow. Thenon-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radioreceiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, powersource circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may beinterpreted as steps of the method. Methods and means for thesefunctions have been described herein. Further, it is expected that oneof ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and manydesign choices motivated by, for example, available time, currenttechnology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts andprinciples disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating suchsoftware instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the various embodiments of the present disclosure hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modificationsand variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to reduce refreezing of meltable snowdeposited on an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on avehicle, wherein at least one wiper arm is configured to wipe themeltable snow off the ambient-facing surface of the window, and whereinat least one sensor is coupled to the at least one wiper arm, the atleast one sensor configured to gather and transmit at least oneparameter, the method comprising: receiving the at least one parameter;predicting a melting of the meltable snow and refreezability of themeltable snow based on the at least one parameter and a user-definedtemperature threshold; and performing an action to be performed by theat least one wiper arm based upon the predicting.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the defined action comprises engaging theat least one wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow off the window.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter isselected from the group comprising actual window temperature, predictedwindow temperature, recent driving history, window moisture sensorfeedback, vehicle external temperature, vehicle internal temperature,vehicle type, vehicle internal color, vehicle external color, solarradiation intensity at the vehicle, vehicle orientation, snowprecipitation type, snow precipitation intensity, wind speed, ambienttemperature and parking location history.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one parameter is gathered based on aninput from a camera installed on the vehicle.
 5. A method to reducerefreezing of meltable snow deposited on an ambient-facing surface of awindow positioned on a vehicle, wherein at least one wiper arm isconfigured to wipe the meltable snow off the ambient-facing surface ofthe window, and wherein at least one sensor is coupled to the at leastone wiper arm, the at least one sensor configured to gather and transmitat least one parameter, the method comprising: receiving the at leastone parameter; predicting a melting of the meltable snow andrefreezability of the meltable snow, and a wiping frequency of the atleast one wiper arm based on the at least one parameter and auser-defined temperature threshold; and enabling actuation of the atleast one wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow off the windshield at thewiping frequency based upon the predicting.
 6. The method according toclaim 5, wherein the wiping frequency may range from one wiper cycle perminute for thirty minutes to three wiper cycles per minute for thirtyminutes.
 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the wipingfrequency is one wiper cycle per five minutes for one hour to threewiper cycles per five minutes for one hour.
 8. The method according toclaim 5, wherein the at least one parameter is selected from the groupcomprising actual window temperature, predicted window temperature,recent driving history, window moisture sensor feedback, vehicleexternal temperature, vehicle internal temperature, vehicle type,vehicle internal color, vehicle external color, solar radiationintensity at the vehicle, vehicle orientation, snow precipitation type,snow precipitation intensity, wind speed, ambient temperature andparking area history.
 9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the atleast one parameter is gathered based on an input from a camerainstalled on the vehicle.
 10. The method according to claim 5 furthercomprising configuring a timer to determine a time period between twosuccessive actuations of the at least one wiper arm.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the timer determines the time periodbetween the two successive actuations of the at least one wiper armwithin a selected time-out period of the timer.
 12. The method accordingto claim 10, wherein the time period determined by the timer is based onthe at least one parameter.
 13. The method according to claim 10 furthercomprising an actuator actuable by a user of the vehicle to requesttermination of any one of the two successive actuations.